Hong Kong call up veteran player Lee Chi-ho for national duties in international friendlies
Fullback, 31, intended to retire to make way for fresh talent, but coach Kim Pan-gon convinces him to change his mind
Veteran Lee Chi-ho was a surprise call-up as national coach Kim Pan-gon named a 35-member training squad on Thursday for their three upcoming international friendly matches and the East Asian Cup qualifiers.
The fullback had earlier said he would quit the Hong Kong team to give the younger generation more international exposure but changed his mind after persuasion from the coach.
“Kim told me my experience can always help and wants me to stay,” said the 31 years old, who joined ambitious Eastern this summer.
“I don’t mind offering them help as long as they need me.”
Hong Kong will play Singapore home and away before meeting Argentina on October 14. The three matches will be part of their build-up for the qualifiers in November when they meet North Korea, Guam and the hosts Taiwan.
Only one team will qualify for the final featuring China, Japan and South Korea next year.